Veteran mixed martial arts artists Hatsu Hioki and “Pequeno” Alexandre Nogueira are set to face off in matches that highlight the massive careers of both fighters. Part of a GI wear MMA event based on Rome’s promotion, the match marks a moment for these veteran competitors.
Alexandre Nogueira vs. Hatsu Hioki
Hatsu Hioki, 41, is a Japanese MMA icon with a career spanning over 20 years. Hioki, known for his technical grappling, has competed in some of the sport’s most prestigious organizations, including the UFC and Pride. He remains a well-known figure in Japanese MMA. He has played 43 professional matches in his career and has not competed since 2018. Hioki made his debut in 2002.
His opponent, Pekeno Alexandre Nogueira (47), is an iconic Brazilian fighter jet that has returned to Japan for the first time in 26 years. Nogueira’s career was even more renowned and was one of the early pioneers of MMA. He is probably the one he remembers best as Jose Aldo’s first opponent in the WEC. He has a total of 26 games and has not competed since 2014. He made his professional debut in 1998.
In this match, Alexandre Nogueira said:
“It’s a battle with hioki, one of Japan’s leading fighters, and a battle for MMA, wearing GIs that respect tradition. I think this is a battle of the essence of martial arts. For this match, I have dedicated my whole body and soul to training.”
It will be a 1/15 round. Both men bring decades of experience to the cage, making this matchup a celebration of their legacy. Two MMA veterans step into the spotlight again.